Stories of
American Heroes -
Brought to you from the "Home of Heroes" - Pueblo, Colorado

Charles W. McKay

TAPS

Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky,
Gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Then good night, Peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn
Shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, good night.

Oak
Grove Cemetery

Born:January 25, 1847
at Mansfield, NY

Entered
Service in the US Army from Allegany,
NY

Earned The Medal of Honor During the Civil War For heroism
May 08, 1864 at Dug Gap, GA

Died:August 25, 1912
at the age of 65

On May 8,
1864, the 154th new York Infantry engaged a rebel force in a
strong position at a place called Rocky Face Ridge (Dug Gap),
near Dalton, Georgia. Following an assault on the rocky
precipice, the regiment fell back, leaving behind Corporal
George Greek, a member of the color guard, who had been wounded
in both legs. Tent-mates Sergeants Stephen Welch and Charles
McKay volunteered to rescue the man, and returned up the
precipice under a withering fire. Sergeant Welch recalled,
"The poor fellow had been trying to drag himself along with
his hands, and had sunk down, overcome by faintness and
exhaustion. McKay revived him with a drink from his canteen,
after which the corporal raising himself on his elbow, asked if
the colors were safe. We assured him that they were, and he
dropped down again, satisfied and happy. We rolled him on a
blanket, picked him up, and with bullets whizzing about us,
managed to get him off the field." Both Sergeant Welch and
Sergeant McKay were awarded the Medal of Honor for their
volunteer efforts to aid a comrade, at the risk of their own
lives.